Universal Love LRT Retires - Tributes and News

[brad cooper]

Thanks LRT. Still think your best game was when you had to play chb on tippett in 2012 qualifying final after playing chf all year.

 

[robbieando]

A two time Premiership Player from NSW developed by the Sydney Swans

Been over 50 years since Collingwood developed such a player from Victoria.....

 

[Parkerman]

Can't remember the final Norm Smith tally, but I thought Fosdike was our best in the 05 grand final. West Coast deliberately peeled off LRT in our defensive 50. But LRT's disposal, even in acres of space, was magnificent that day....

Just my memories of the game.

 

[S120]

Not going to lie, got a bit choked up when I heard. Dual premiership player and key to breaking the drought that I thought was a permanent condition.

Still remember him towelling up Richo.

Ditto for me when I watched this: http://www.sydneyswans.com.au/video/2014-08-14/swanstv-lrt-on-his-retirement

Always seemed like a lovely, sincere guy and this interview is no different. Not many footballers can express himself this well.

 

[Syd]

I never thought I'd feel the same way about a utility player once Luffy left.

A suitable cult hero replacement and our Mr Versatility being down back, up forward and in the ruck.

Should have gotten the Norm Smith in 2005 for mine

Thanks for the memories LRT

 

[swansfan51]

I always thought LRT got a very unwarranted reputation from opposition supporters due to his gangly frame and awkward running style. The reality was he was a highly reliable player, able to play roles consistently to a high level, with a competitive instinct. Definitely a far better player than the wide perception, and a good servant for many seasons. Well done Lewis!

 

[bedford]

What a beauty, saw his first game for Port Melbourne, very awkward, but I rang a mate in Sydney and said we will win a flag with this bloke

 

[MF]

It's not often I get emotional over a player retiring... but I think it's warranted this time.

 

[RW]

Thanks LRT. Still think your best game was when you had to play chb on tippett in 2012 qualifying final after playing chf all year.

His 2012 finals series was very underrated, I thought. The thing that I think most people will remember about him is his competitiveness. One of only a handful of dual premiership players for the Bloods (hopefully will be joined by a few more in September).

 

[MF]

Anyone got the footage of him selling some Candy to Merret before slotting a goal against the lions?

 

[MarkP]

Anyone got the footage of him selling some Candy to Merret before slotting a goal against the lions?

Included on the Swans site in the tribute package.

 

[Parkerman]

A few endearing LRT memories.

Being interviewed by Channel 7's Brett Kirk after a game. After Kirky thanked him, LRT replies with "No worries Cap."

His miss running into the goalsquare and from about a metre out. It was early in the game and worth a chuckle. Might also have been against Brisbane.

Tapping Leo on the bum after THAT mark.

 

[Leg End]

Loved the great LRT.
Gee, what a great name from 05-06 era.
Epitomised the Swans ethos - tough, hard, forever putting in that last effort.
A key part of that fabulous drought-breaking flag for this great club.

He was my Norm Smith in 2005. Sad that the Chickenwing Gouger spoilt the moment.

farewell - LRT!!!

 

[Chaisa]

Farewell. May not have been the most talented player, but he got the most out of himself and was a crucial cog of our team for many teams. He will be missed.

 

[replicant]

I am sad today.

Thanks LRT.

 

[Nool Carpenna]

LRT..... what a great story.

Knew it was coming but that doesn't lessen the emptiness felt.

A good Aussie lad that made good playing the greatest game of all

 

[Dangas]

Great servant of the footy club. All the best to L. R. T

 

[McRobie]

LRT!! LRT!!! LRT!!! LRT!!
Ill miss this guy, what a legend, its a sad day.

 

[GotTheGoodes]

LRT, the hyphenator... Gone. As Nool Carpenna said, could see it coming an absolute mile away but doesn't make the hurt any less.

Shattered I can't be there to send him off this weekend but am happy I got to see him in the 2s the other day before the Dons game. I think he knew it was time a while ago. His body has been put through a fair bit over the journey but he's managed to eek out an amazing career none-the-less.

Absolutely love the bloke. He has epitomised the bloods spirit and our ethos for so many years... He has always just played his role for the team. No matter where on the field against any opponent. No ego and without question at 110% effort. He'd go in bloody hard to win the ball every time.

Of course there are the finals appearances we all remember. His performance after being played fwd all year to cover Tippett down back in that final against Adelaide was a credit to his versatility and one I'm very happy to have been at live to seen his efforts first hand.

One of my favourite moments was his 150th where his grit and toughness got us over the line against a Freo on the rise. I was lucky enough to get a seat right on the boundary line, in the pocket so I thought none of the players would walk all the way round there post game and just go behind the goals (like normal) however, after the game LRT came over to our little part of the ground and I managed to give the hyphenator a high five on his 150th... (relive the moment here http://www.smh.com.au/afl/afl-news/swans-on-song-as-they-win-for-lrt-20120407-1wi76.html). For those there on the day, that tackle was one of the loudest I reckon I've ever heard... Didn't he fracture his jaw or something?? Anyway...

I could go on about LRT, as we all could. So many great moments from him over the journey and a real cult hero at the club. I'm going to put on my LRTee as soon as I get home tonight and watch a re-run of the 2005 GF in tribute.

Congrats Lewy. You've served the club with such distinction and had a fabulous career. I hope you have a sensational post-footy life mate.

 

[Mister B]

I'm so bloody glad I'd booked to come up for this game. Delighted I will be able to cheer such a wonderful player and person as he says goodbye.

 

[Grongey]

LRT never let anyone down, he always stepped up to the plate.

He always went when it was his turn.

Deserves every bit of the praise that will come his way.

 

[Swansujelly]

gotta love LRT. Squeezed everything out he could, and was team first. 2 cups and should've had the Norm in 05. Thanks old mate. 179 games, 2 cups!

 

[kickthething]

Earnt everything he achieved, there was no easy route for LRT. An ornament to the club. I remember taking the kids to a family day and the way he presented himself and treated them was just fantastic, you could tell he was well bought up and a credit to those involved with him. Right up to the finish of the career he always appeared humble and appreciative. Love the hyphenator.

 

[bedford]

He seemed to be the only sober one at the real Lake Oval in 12

 

[stevoswan]

A GF legend of our club. Two time premiership player and Norm Smith medalist, well he will be when Juddy hands it over......We will all miss you LRT!